The United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) allows pharmacists to perform COVID-19 test authorized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (USFDA). The Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health issued new guidance under the Public Readiness and Emergency Preparedness Act authorizing licenses pharmacists to order and administer COVID-19 tests that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has authorized.
Pharmacists, in partnership with other healthcare providers, are well positioned to aid COVID-19 testing expansion. Pharmacists are trusted healthcare professionals with established relationships with their patients. The vast majority of Americans live close to a retail or independent community-based pharmacy. That proximity reduces travel to testing locations, which is an important mitigation measure. Pharmacists also have strong relationships with medical providers and hospitals to appropriately refer patients when necessary.
HHS Secretary Alex Azar said, "Giving pharmacists the authorization to order and administer COVID-19 tests to their patients means easier access to testing for Americans who need it. Pharmacists play a vital role in delivering convenient access to important public health services and information. The Trump Administration is pleased to give pharmacists the chance to play a bigger role in the COVID-19 response, alongside all of America's heroic healthcare workers."
HHS Assistant Secretary for Health Brett P. Giroir, M.D. stated that, "In an effort to expand testing capabilities, we are authorizing licensed pharmacists to order and administer COVID-19 tests to their patients. The accessibility and distribution of retail and independent community-based pharmacies make pharmacists the first point of contact with a healthcare professional for many Americans. This will further expand testing for Americans, particularly our healthcare workers and first responders who are working around the clock to provide care, compassion and safety to others."
A key component of that response is rapidly expanding COVID-19 testing across America. Within HHS, the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health leads federal efforts to support that expansion.
As per today, there are more than 5.30 lakhs of COVID-19 positive cases reported in USA which includes death of more than 20,000 individuals.
HHS Having Jurisdiction under the Secretary’s March 10, 2020 declaration under the Public Readiness and Emergency Preparedness Act (PREP Act), OASH issues this guidance authorizing licensed pharmacists to order and administer COVID-19 tests, including serology tests, that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has authorized.
